Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Allocate a limited same-day appointment
Practise making a fair, patient-safe recommendation when capacity is limited. Review whether you identify missing clinical information, avoid blaming either patient, explain your prioritization, and offer a workable alternative; then record again.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 29 months.
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Start: January 2027.
- Interview: required multiple mini interview.
- Application: CASPA only; no supplemental application.
- ARC-PA status: Accreditation-Continued; next review April 2027.
Official program · Official accreditation page
Admission requirements
Applicants need a qualifying U.S. bachelor's degree by December 31, required prerequisites and either PA-CAT or GRE. Minimum cumulative and science GPAs are 3.0 for Louisiana residents and 3.5 for out-of-state applicants. At least 80 healthcare hours are required; out-of-state applicants also need at least 40 PA-shadowing hours. 2026 admissions guidelines
Important dates
- Late April 2026: CASPA opens.
- July 15, August 4-6, and August 10-12, 2026: published interview dates.
- August 1, 2026: CASPA must be submitted and verified.
- December 31, 2026: bachelor's degree due.
- January 2027: matriculation.
- April 2027: next ARC-PA review.
2026 admissions guidelines · Official accreditation page
How selection works
Louisiana-resident applications meeting the minimum requirements are scored on GPAs, PA-CAT or GRE, direct healthcare hours, PA shadowing, personal statement and references. The committee also reviews out-of-state applicants meeting its higher published thresholds. The MMI score contributes to the final acceptance rank. Exact weights are not public. 2026 admissions guidelines
Interview details
Confirmed
LSU publishes July 15, August 4-6 and August 10-12, 2026 interview dates and uses a multiple mini interview. Published domains include communication, critical analysis, teamwork, emotional awareness, PA-role awareness, integrity, resilience, professionalism, maturity, empathy and discretion. 2026 admissions guidelines
Not published
The program does not publish modality, venue, station count or timing, prompts, interviewer file access, detailed rubric or numeric weighting.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with strong academics, healthcare exposure and a clear Louisiana commitment. Out-of-state applicants face higher GPA and PA-shadowing thresholds under the current admissions contract. Recheck the April 2027 accreditation action before matriculation. 2026 admissions guidelines · Official accreditation page
Practice and next step
Record a first response to an MMI resource-allocation scenario. Review whether your decision rule, empathy and communication are explicit, then record it again and compare both attempts.
Frequently asked questions
When is CASPA due?
August 1, 2026, submitted and verified. 2026 admissions guidelines
Which test is required?
Applicants choose PA-CAT or GRE under the current guidelines.
Is healthcare experience required?
Yes, at least 80 hours; out-of-state applicants also need at least 40 PA-shadowing hours.
What is the interview format?
A multiple mini interview; detailed station mechanics are not published.
What is the accreditation status?
Accreditation-Continued, with the next ARC-PA review in April 2027. Official accreditation page
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published